Lounges

The venue was Lounges in Lymington, Hampshire. A slightly overcast day but warm, so ideal conditions for a lunchtime cream tea. The venue was cosy inside but we opted for the courtyard. Furniture was of a basic metal nature and not overly comfortable.

After ordering at the till the tea was served almost immediately, with the scones delivered within a minute. Fine for locals on their lunch break, but I'd have liked a bit more time to savour my anticipation. Tea was nice, in a suitable teapot and a more than acceptable cup and saucer. The fairly clotted cream came in a plastic pot (this should ideally be served in a ramekin), and the strawberry jam came in a cute little jar. I liked this little touch.

With my taste buds raring to go, my excitement quite quickly turned to a mere appreciation that I wasn't at work. The scone's texture was rather dry and even grainy. It should be under no circumstances that the application of cream and jam is to make the scone 'moist'. The 'fruit' was, let me just say, not in abundance either. The mini Biscoff was a highlight once dipped in my brew. I devoured all without hesitation, then headed to the nearest Spoons for a well deserved strawberry and lime Kopparberg and several Artois!

Overall rating: 2.9/5 (I couldn't even bring myself to rate it a 3). I shan't be returning. Ever. Even if I came to Lymington again. Which I probably won't. Even so. If I did. There's an outside chance I'd go straight to Spoons.